Services Provided
The Washington University NF clinical care team offers detailed patient evaluations and assessments. They work seamlessly with families, referring physicians, allied health professionals and other agencies to deliver the most advanced medical services available to children and adults.
The NF clinical care team includes a neurologist specializing in neurofibromatosis, a physical therapist, a nurse practitioner and a patient care coordinator who help to oversee a patient’s treatment, special needs, and with identifying available support resources.
In addition, specialized assessments are performed during the clinic visit to identify children requiring additional services.
David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD, Director
Dr. Gutmann is an internationally recognized expert in NF, and was a member of the research group that identified the entire NF1 gene. He has twenty years of experience in the care of children and adults with NF, and directs a large basic science research laboratory working on NF. Dr. Gutmann also founded and leads the Washington University Neurofibromatosis Center, a collaborative research center composed of clinicians and laboratory scientists focused on accelerating the pace of scientific discovery and its application to the care of individuals with NF.
Anne C. Albers, PNP, MSN, Nurse Practitioner
Anne is a pediatric nurse practitioner with expertise in the care of individuals with NF. She works very closely with Dr. Gutmann to ensure that all possible services are provided to patients and their families. She also assists in coordinating services between the members of the multidisciplinary team.
Alicia Vallorani Clinical Program Coordinator Alicia graduated from Knox College in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She works directly with David H. Gutmann MD, PhD, as well as multiple other physicians and Team NF in order to ensure that quality clinical research and quality information and educational materials about NF are available for our families.
Vicki G. Kuchnicki Clinical Patient Care Coordinator Vicki works closely with Anne Albers, nurse practitioner, to coordinate the complex care services for our patients and their families. During NF Clinic, Vicki meets with each family to provide screening materials, NF binders and a summary of their individualized follow-up plan.
Courtney Dunn, PT, DPT Physical Therapist Courtney graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelors degree in physical therapy in 1995 and completed a doctorate of physical therapy with a pediatric emphasis in 2010. As the primary physical therapist in the NF clinic, her role is two-fold. Courtney screens the motor skills of children with NF1 in the clinic to identify delays as early as possible, allowing for prompt treatment. Then, when needed, Courtney provides physical therapy services and resources for our children, including outpatient therapy, school-based services and community-based services.
Kirsten Brouillet Team NF Coordinator Kirsten graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology. Kirsten works directly with Courtney Dunn, PT, DPT, Amy Westfall, ODT, OTR/L, and Lacey Hall, CCC-SLP to create Club NF events. Kirsten also works directly with David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD to ensure excellent communication within Team NF.
Nicole Weckherlin, OTR/L Occupational Therapist Nicole graduated from St. Louis University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and a minor in Psychology. Nicole currently works at St. Louis Children’s Hospital as a part of the Washington University NF Center, as well as the Cerebral Palsy Center and Therapy Services. She provides consultation and direct treatment to patients and coordinates with team members. Nicole’s primary focus is technology, particularly iPad utilization in children with special needs.
Lacey Hall, CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist Lacey graduated from Mississippi University for Women in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and a minor in psychology. In 2007, she completed her graduate studies in speech-language pathology at Fontbonne University. Lacey currently acts as the primary speech therapist for the Washington University NF Center and coordinates with the rest of the therapy team.
Amy Westfall, ODT, OTR/L Occupational Therapist Amy completed her graduate studies in Occupational Therapy at the Washington University School of Medicine in 2004, during which time she focused on identifying the long-term effects of childhood cancer. She currently acts as the primary occupational therapist for the Washington University Neurofibromatosis Center and coordinates care with Anne Albers and Courtney Dunn.
In addition, the Washington University NF Center has full access to the expertise of other Washington University specialists specializing in the fields of:
